Fillings

Choosing The Right Dental Fillings: What Are Your Options?

Dental fillings are a type of restorative dental treatment used to repair minimal tooth fracture, decays and other tooth damages. The procedure involves removal of the decayed or fractured part of a tooth, cleaning the affected area, and then filling the cavity with a filling material. In addition to improving biting and chewing as well as improving tooth appearance, closing off spaces in the teeth is effective in preventing further decay.

The different types of dental fillings

There are four broad types of tooth fillings. What’s right for you is determined by a number of factors including the extent of damage, whether you have allergies to certain filling materials, where in the mouth the filling is needed and your budget. Your options include:

Gold fillings – Made to order in a lab and then cemented into place by a professional dentist, gold fillings are extremely durable. If cemented properly, the filling can stay in place for more than 20 years without any issues. For this reason, most professionals consider gold the best filling material possible. However, it’s also the most expensive option.

Amalgam (silver) fillings – If you want a relatively cheaper option that is still highly resistant to wear and tear, amalgam or silver fillings is a great option. The only downside is that due to the darker color of amalgam, the fillings are more noticeable than porcelain or composite fillings. This makes them ideal for teeth located at the back of the mouth, such as molars and premolars.

Composite (plastic) resins – These are the best fillings where natural appearance is desired. The resins are matched to the color of your teeth and placed directly into the cavity where they are hardened. They have two disadvantages however. First, they are easily discolored from coffee, tea and tobacco. Secondly, they tend to chip more easily and typically last only 3-10 years.

Porcelain fillings (also known as inlays or outlays) – Porcelain fillings are produced to order in a lab and then bonded to the affected tooth. They are extremely resistant to staining and can be matched to the color of your teeth. They are also expensive, however, often costing as much as gold fillings.

What happens in the dentist’s office?

When you first visit Red Bank Smiles, we will examine each suspect tooth using caries-detecting liquid and a dental probe. An X-ray may also be taken to discover the extent and exact location of the damage. Once this has been done, we will advise you on the best filling option based on your medical history, location of the problem and aesthetic needs.

Sometimes, the filling can be done immediately. If not, we’ll arrange for a second appointment during which the procedure will take place.

About Red Bank Smiles

When it comes to oral health, we know that it affects every part of your life, from how comfortably you can eat to how confidently you smile; from the health of your heart to the health of your brain; that the whole body is connected to the whole person. We understand that you want to be proud of your smile. We understand you want to be comfortable and out of pain. We understand you don’t want to have problems in the future. And we know you don’t want it to cost a lot or take a lot of time. From regular cleanings to full-mouth rehabilitation, call us now to find out how we can help you!